Historic Walking Tour - Taylor Building

Significance

The Taylor Building is a relatively intact example of a Corvallis Commercial building built shortly after the turn of the century and is one of only several commercial buildings from this time period which as not been severely altered. The other buildings, include the Harding Building, The S.L. Kline Building, and the Benton County State Bank Building. 

Physical Description 

The Taylor Building is a two-story, rectangular, brick building with dimensions of 23' X 100'. The main facade (east elevation) consists of light red face brick. Much of the first story of the main facade is covered by a large plywood sign with the entry located off-center to the north today. The second story of the main facade is relatively intact and has two rectangular windows, each consisting of two lights divided vertically by mullions. These windows have replaced the original one-over-one double hung sash windows. Windows are not trimmed but have a brick sill. A brick water table is located several feet above the window. 

The corners of the main facade are embellished by brick quoins. The roof is terminated by a modillioned cornice of uncertain material. Above the architrave, the frieze is decorated by a dentil course. The building rests on a concrete foundation today. Two interior brick chimneys are located toward the rear of the building. Originally, the Taylor Building shared a wall with the Whitehorn building (1897) to the north. When the Whitehorn building was torn down to make room for a parking lot, the south wall of the building was left in place because of the shared wall agreement signed in 1906. In addition to the wall, several chimneys with corbelled caps and a cast iron column still remain from the Whitehorn building. 

Historical Background 

The Taylor Building was built in 1906 by the heirs of J.C. Taylor, a Corvallis butcher for many years. The old Taylor Meat Market was once in this location, but by 1906 the Centennial Meat Market, operated by J.C. Hammel, was in the old wood-frame building. The first occupant of the Taylor Building was the Centennial Meat Market. In 1912, the Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps indicate a meat store, sausage factory, and smokehouse in the Taylor Building. An armory was located on the 2nd floor. A long time occupant of this building was the Corvallis Meat Company owned by Clarence Hout. In 1955 the building was conveyed to the Knights of Pythias, the current owners. The first story retail space has had many occupants. 

The heirs of J.C. Taylor included Lillian Taylor, his wife, and Cecil, Rennie and Byron Taylor, his children. The Taylors paid $500.00 for half interest in the Whitehorn wall that abuts the Taylor Building. The J.C. Taylor House (1880) is also listed on the inventory. 

Sources Consulted

• Benton County Deed Registry.
• Corvallis Gazette, July 6, 1906.
• Corvallis Gazette, July 20, 1906.
• Corvallis Gazette. Oct 12, 1906.
• Corvallis Gazette-Times, Jan 1, 1923.
• Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps.